Intelligent environmental air management system

This application claims the benefit of the U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/226,929, filed Jul. 29, 2021, entitled “INTELLIGENT ENVIRONMENTAL AIR MANAGEMENT SYSTEM” by Theodore Hermann, Bryan Yarde, and Benjamen Baker.

The present description relates generally to air management systems, and more particularly to an intelligent environmental air management system.

Buildings such as residential homes contain many devices to monitor different aspects of indoor air quality. However, conventional air management systems do not coordinate indoor air quality management across these devices. This layout makes effective user control difficult due to the decentralized nature of these different devices.

Accordingly to one aspect of the present invention, a central controller for an intelligent environmental air management system that includes at least one air hazard sensor, at least one environmental condition monitor, and at least one hazard mitigation device is provided. The central controller includes at least one processor and memory storing instructions executable by the at least one processor. The instructions, when executed, cause the central controller to detect and communicate with at least one air hazard sensor, at least one environmental condition monitor, and at least one air hazard mitigation device.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an intelligent environmental air management system for a building includes a central controller, at least one air hazard sensor, at least one environmental condition monitor, and at least one air hazard mitigation device. The at least one air hazard sensor is configured to communicate air hazard data to the central controller. The at least one environmental condition monitor is configured to communicate environmental condition data to the central controller. The at least one air hazard mitigation device is configured to perform at least one air hazard mitigation instruction from the central controller.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of operating an intelligent environmental air management system includes detecting, with a central controller, a plurality of components of the intelligent environmental air management system. The plurality of components includes at least one air hazard sensor, at least one environmental condition monitor, and at least one air hazard mitigation device. The at least one air hazard sensor measures an air hazard level of at least one air hazard. The at least one air hazard sensor communicates air hazard data to the central controller. The at least one environmental condition monitor measures an environmental condition level of at least one environmental condition. The at least one environmental condition monitor communicates environmental condition data to the central controller. The central controller determines whether the air hazard level of the at least one air hazard exceeds an air hazard threshold for the at least one air hazard.

An intelligent environmental air management system combines monitoring and mitigation measures to allow for user control across the available monitoring and mitigation devices in a building. The system can prioritize hazards detected and implement mitigation measures. The system can monitor available devices through wired or wireless networks and adapt mitigation measures accordingly.

is a schematic view of exemplary air management system. In the depicted example, air management systemincludes mitigation/monitoring systemand central controller. Mitigation/monitoring systemincludes air hazard sensor, environmental condition monitor, air hazard mitigation device, and user interface. Central controllerincludes processor, memory unit, communication device, input device, output device, and alert module. As described in more detail below, air management systemis an intelligent environmental air management system for a building.

Mitigation/monitoring systemcan contain at least one air hazard sensor, and in some embodiments can contain multiple air hazard sensors. Each air hazard sensoris configured to detect the presence of at least one air hazard. It should be understood that an air hazard is a harmful substance which can be present in the air. An air hazard sensorcan be, for example, a carbon dioxide (CO) sensor, a volatile organic compounds (VOC) sensor, a carbon monoxide (CO) sensor, a smoke detector, or a radon sensor. Each air hazard sensorcan be configured to measure an air hazard level of the substance(s) the air hazard sensoris configured to detect. For example, a CO sensor can be configured to measure a CO level. Each air hazard sensorcan be further configured to communicate air hazard data to the central controllerindicative of the measured air hazard level. Mitigation/monitoring systemcan include multiple different kinds of air hazard sensors, such as, for example, a carbon dioxide sensor and a VOC sensor. Mitigation/monitoring systemcan additionally and/or alternatively include multiples of the same kind of air hazard sensor, such as, for example, three smoke detectors.

Mitigation/monitoring systemcan include at least one environmental condition monitor, and in some embodiments can contain multiple environmental condition monitors. Each environmental condition monitoris configured to detect at least one environmental condition, such as temperature or humidity. An environmental condition monitorcan be, for example, a temperature sensor or a humidity sensor. Each environmental condition monitorcan be configured to measure an environmental condition level of the environmental condition(s) the environmental condition monitoris configured to detect. Each environmental condition monitorcan be further configured to communicate environmental condition data to the central controllerindicative of the measured environmental condition level. Mitigation/monitoring systemcan include multiple different kinds of environmental condition monitors, and can additionally and/or alternatively include multiples of the same kind of environmental condition monitor.

Mitigation/monitoring systemcan include at least one air hazard mitigation device. Each air hazard mitigation deviceis configured to perform at least one air hazard mitigation measure. An air hazard mitigation devicecan be, for example, an air exchanger, an in-room air purifier, an exhaust fan, or a furnace blower. Each air hazard mitigation devicecan be configured to communicate with the central controllersuch that each air hazard mitigation devicecan receive at least one air hazard mitigation instruction from central controllerto perform the at least one air hazard mitigation measure. In addition, each air hazard mitigation devicecan be configured to communicate with the central controllersuch that each air hazard mitigation devicecan send to the central controllerinformation about the operation of the air hazard mitigation device. Mitigation/monitoring systemcan include multiple different kinds of air hazard mitigation devices, and can additionally and/or alternatively include multiples of the same kind of air hazard mitigation devices.

Mitigation/monitoring systemcan include at least one user interface. Each user interfacecan be configured to receive input from a user. A user interfacecan be, for example, a wall control device such as a thermostat, a voice control device such as a digital assistant, a remote control device, a computer-based application, or a mobile phone application. Each user interfacecan be configured to communicate with the central controller. As described in more detail below, each user interfacecan be further configured to receive a user's selection of an operating mode of the air management system. Mitigation/monitoring systemcan include multiple different kinds of user interfaces, and can additionally and/or alternatively include multiples of the same kind of user interface. In some examples, user interfacecan include the input deviceand/or output devicedescribed below. In other examples, user interfacecan be configured to communicate with input deviceand/or output devicewithin central controller.

As described above, central controllercan include processor, memory unit, communication device, input device, output device, and alert module. In some embodiments, controllercan include multiple processors, memory units, communication devices, input devices, and output devices. Central controllercan additionally include more components, such as a power source.

Processorcan be configured to implement functionality and/or process instructions for execution within central controller. For example, processorcan be capable of processing instructions stored in memory unit. Examples of processorcan include any one or more of a microprocessor, a controller, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other equivalent discrete or integrated logic circuitry. Instructions executed by processorcan cause central controllerto perform actions, such as detect and communicate with the components of mitigation/monitoring system, receive and assess input data from the components, and/or direct the components to perform actions.

Central controllercan also include memory capable of storage, such as memory unit. Memory unitcan be configured to store information (and/or instructions which may be executable by processor) within central controllerduring operation. Memory unit, in some examples, is described as a computer-readable storage medium. In some examples, a computer-readable storage medium can include a non-transitory medium. The term “non-transitory” can indicate that the storage medium is not embodied in a carrier wave or a propagated signal. In certain examples, a non-transitory storage medium can store data that can, over time, change (e.g., in RAM or cache). In some examples, memory unitis a temporary memory, meaning that a primary purpose of memory unitis not long-term storage. Memory unit, in some examples, is described as volatile memory, meaning that memory unitdoes not maintain stored contents when power to central controlleris turned off. Examples of volatile memories can include random access memories (RAM), dynamic random access memories (DRAM), static random access memories (SRAM), and other forms of volatile memories. In some examples, memory unitis used to store program instructions for execution by processor.

Memory unitcan be configured to store larger amounts of information than volatile memory. Memory unitcan further be configured for long-term storage of information. In some examples, memory unitincludes non-volatile storage elements. Examples of such nonvolatile storage elements can include magnetic hard discs, optical discs, flash memories, or forms of electrically programmable memories (EPROM) or electrically erasable and programmable (EEPROM) memories.

Central controllercan also include communication device. Central controllercan utilize communication deviceto communicate with devices via one or more networks, such as one or more wireless or wired networks or both. Communication devicecan be a network interface card, such as an Ethernet card, an optical transceiver, a radio frequency transceiver, or any other type of device that can send and receive information. For example, communication devicecan be a radio frequency transmitter dedicated to Bluetooth or WiFi bands or commercial networks such as GSM, UMTS, 3G, 4G, 5G, and others. Alternately, communication devicecan be a Universal Serial Bus (USB).

Central controllercan include input device. Input devicecan include a presence-sensitive and/or touch-sensitive display, or other type of device configured to receive input from a user.

Central controllercan include output device. Output devicecan include a display device, a speaker, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, discrete switched outputs, or other type of device for outputting information in a form understandable to users or machines. In examples where central controlleris configured to transfer and store data via the cloud, the input deviceand/or output devicecan be a host computing system offsite and can use applications to, for example, process user input data.

Central controllercan also include alert module. Alert modulecan be configured to direct user interfaceto display or announce an air hazard warning. Alert modulecan be further configured to direct user interfaceand/or the at least one air hazard sensorto display a mitigation failure alarm message or emit an alarm. In examples where user interfacecan visually display information to a user, alert modulecan be configured to direct user interfaceto display a written air hazard warning. In examples where user interfacecan audibly convey information to a user, alert modulecan be configured to direct user interfaceto announce an auditory air hazard warning and/or mitigation failure alarm. In some examples, alert modulecan be configured to suggest additional air hazard mitigation measures to a user. For example, alert modulecan be configured to direct user interfaceto display a message suggesting that a user open a window in their home to more effectively mitigate the air hazard(s) present.

Central controllercan be configured to receive input data and direct components to carry out instructions for the operation and configuration of components within air management system. For example, central controllercan be configured to detect the components of mitigation/monitoring system(air hazard sensor, environmental condition monitor, air hazard mitigation device, and user interface). This detection of components can include detecting which components are connected, as well as detecting whether a particular component is operational (i.e. able to communicate with and receive instructions from central controller). Central controllercan be configured to detect the kind of component that is connected within mitigation/monitoring system. For example, central controllercan be configured to detect that air hazard sensoris a CO sensor. Central controllercan be further configured to detect a location of each of the components of mitigation/monitoring system(air hazard sensor, environmental condition monitor, air hazard mitigation device, and user interface). Central controllercan be configured to detect a location of at least one person with respect to each of the components of mitigation/monitoring system, and can further be configured to detect a number of persons present with respect to the locations of each of the components of mitigation/monitoring system. Central controllercan be configured to designate zones within the building to allow for targeted air hazard mitigation measures. For example, if central controllerreceives air hazard data indicating a high VOC level in a zone corresponding to the kitchen, central controllercan direct an air hazard mitigation devicein the kitchen (such as an air exchanger) to begin operating.

Central controllercan be configured to communicate with air hazard sensor, environmental condition monitor, air hazard mitigation device, and user interface. This can be accomplished through communication device, which can enable central controllerto communicate with air hazard sensor, environmental condition monitor, air hazard mitigation device, and user interfaceover wired or wireless networks. For example, communication devicecan enable central controllerto communicate with the components of mitigation/monitoring systemvia automated commissioning (for connected smart components), proximity commissioning (using Near Field Commissioning (NFC) or Bluetooth connections), or manual commissioning (wired connections between the components and central controller).

Central controllercan be configured to receive input data from air hazard sensorand/or environmental condition monitor. As described above, input data from air hazard sensoris air hazard data, and input data from environmental condition monitoris environmental condition data. Central controllercan be configured to assign a priority level to the input data from air hazard sensorthrough a prioritization algorithm stored within memory unit. The prioritization algorithm can designate a priority level for each air hazard to enable effective air hazard mitigation when multiple air hazards are detected. This can additionally help to avoid exacerbating air hazards by coordinating air hazard mitigation measures. Central controllercan be configured to determine whether the air hazard data received from air hazard sensorexceeds an air hazard threshold. An air hazard threshold can be designated for each air hazard based on, for example, indoor air quality standards, manufacturer recommendations, or user selected default levels.

Central controllercan be configured to select at least one air hazard mitigation measure if the air hazard data exceeds the air hazard threshold for the relevant air hazard, and can be configured to direct air hazard mitigation deviceto perform the selected at least one air hazard mitigation measure. The at least one air hazard mitigation measure can be designated by an action algorithm stored within memory unit. The action algorithm, in combination with the prioritization algorithm, can designate and store the appropriate air hazard mitigation measures for the air hazard(s) detected. Central controllercan further be configured to assess the priority levels of the input data from air hazard sensorand select an air hazard mitigation measure which corresponds to the highest priority level assessed by central controller.

Central controllercan be configured to select an operating mode of air management system. Operating modes of air management systemcan include, for example, an energy efficiency mode, an optimal air quality mode, and/or a user-customized mode. In an energy efficiency mode, central controllercan initially select air hazard mitigation measures which are more thermally efficient than other air hazard mitigation measures. For example, if central controllerdetects both a high COlevel and a large temperature difference between indoor and outdoor temperature, central controllercan initially select a more energy-efficient air hazard mitigation measure (using a furnace blower to circulate air) over a less energy-efficient air hazard mitigation measure (using an air exchanger to draw in outdoor air). In an optimal air quality mode, central controllercan initially select the air hazard mitigation measure which is projected to be the most effective at mitigating the detected air hazard(s), as opposed to the air hazard mitigation measure which is the most energy efficient. A user-customized mode can include selections and input from a user about their preferences. The selection of a particular prioritization and/or action algorithm can be modified based on the selected operating mode.

Central controllercan be configured to calculate a rate of change of the air hazard level while the air hazard mitigation deviceis performing the at least one air hazard mitigation measure. The rate of change can be found by, for example, calculating the change in the level of the air hazard over a period of time as follows:

where ΔH is the difference between a first measured air hazard level and a second measured air hazard level, and Δt is the amount of time between a first air hazard level measurement and a second air hazard level measurement. Central controllercan be configured to direct air hazard mitigation deviceto perform an air hazard mitigation measure at a variable speed based on the rate of change of the air hazard level. For example, if the air hazard level has not yet been mitigated by the air hazard mitigation measure, central controllercan direct air hazard mitigation deviceto operate at a higher level in order to mitigate the air hazard. If the air hazard level is approaching a safe level, central controllercan direct air hazard mitigation deviceto operate at a lower level.

In some examples, central controllercan be configured to assess whether an air hazard level is projected to exceed the air hazard threshold for that particular air hazard using the calculated rate of change of the air hazard. Central controllercan be further configured to direct air hazard mitigation deviceto perform an air hazard mitigation measure in order to prevent the air hazard level of the air hazard from exceeding the air hazard threshold.

Central controllercan be configured to assess whether the air hazard level of an air hazard has dropped to below the air hazard threshold and reached a safe level. The safe level can be, for example, defined by indoor air quality standards, and can alternatively be a baseline level (defined by an average measurement, such as a 90 day running average within the building). The central controllercan be configured to direct air hazard mitigation deviceto suspend the air hazard mitigation measure once the air hazard level is at or below the safe level.

Central controllercan be a modular component such that central controlleris a separate device from the rest of air management system, and in some examples central controllercan be a portable device. Central controllercan be a localized controller that receives input from, and sends instructions to, the components of mitigation/monitoring system.

is a schematic view of exemplary air management system. Air management system includes central controller, carbon dioxide sensor, outdoor air temperature sensor, HVAC return air temperature sensor, indoor air temperature sensor, air exchanger, and furnace blower.

COsensorcan be configured to measure a COlevel and communicate COdata to central controller. Outdoor air temperature sensorcan be configured to measure the outdoor air temperature and communicate outdoor air temperature data to central controller. HVAC return air temperature sensorcan be configured to measure the HVAC return air temperature and communicate HVAC return air temperature data to central controller. Indoor air temperature sensorcan be configured to measure the indoor air temperature and communicate indoor air temperature data to central controller. Air management systemfunctions in substantially the same way as air management systemdescribed above in reference to.

is a flow chart depicting a methodof operating of an air management system, such as air management systemsand. Methodcan include steps-.

In step, the air management system can be powered on. This can be accomplished by, for example, a user powering on the air management system or the central controller directing the air management system to power on at a preselected time. Powering on can additionally and/or alternatively occur after a shutdown, such as in the case of a system reboot, or an event such as power loss.

In step, a central controller of the air management system can identify components of a mitigation/monitoring system of the air management system. As described above in reference to, these components can include at least one air hazard sensor, at least one environmental condition monitor, at least one air hazard mitigation device, and at least one user interface. The at least one air hazard sensor can be a carbon dioxide sensor, a total volatile organic compounds sensor, a carbon monoxide sensor, a smoke detector, and/or a radon sensor. The at least one environmental condition monitor can be a temperature sensor and/or a humidity sensor. The at least one air hazard mitigation device can be an air exchanger, an in-room air purifier, an exhaust fan, and/or a furnace blower. The at least one user interface can be a wall control device, a voice control device, a remote control device, a computer-based application, and/or a mobile phone application. As described above in reference to, the central controller can be configured to detect which components are connected and operational. As described in more detail below with respect to step, the status of each component (whether the component is connected and/or operable by the central controller) can also be periodically checked throughout the operation of the air management system.

In step, a user can select an operating mode of the air management system, and the central controller can verify the operating mode selected by the user. As described above in reference to, the operating mode can be, for example, an energy efficiency mode, an optimal air quality mode, or a user-customized mode.

In step, the central controller can configure and store the appropriate prioritization and action algorithms. The central controller can configure the prioritization and/or action algorithms based on, for example, the selected operating mode and/or the configuration of components within the air management system. These algorithms are described in detail above in reference to.

In step, the central controller can analyze input data from the components in the mitigation/monitoring system. This can include, for example, air hazard data from the at least one air hazard sensor and/or environmental condition data from the at least one environmental condition monitor.

In step, the central controller can assess whether a particular air hazard threshold for each air hazard has been exceeded. If the central controller determines that no air hazard thresholds have been exceeded, the air management system can proceed to step. If the central controller determines that a particular air hazard threshold has been exceeded, the air management system can proceed to step.

In step, the central controller can assess whether the configuration of the air management system has changed since step(in which the central controller identifies the components within the air management system). The central controller can identify, for example, whether a new component has been added, or whether a component has gone offline or is otherwise disconnected from the central controller. The central controller can repeat stepperiodically during the operation of the air management system. If the central controller determines that the configuration of the air management system has not changed (i.e. all initially detected components are currently connected), the air management system can proceed to step. If the central controller determines that the configuration of the air management system has changed, the air management system can repeat steps-as described above.

In step, the central controller can assess whether the operating mode selected by a user in stephas changed. If the central controller determines that the initially selected operating mode has not changed, the air management system can repeat steps-as described above. If the central controller determines that the selected operating mode has changed (i.e. a user has selected a different operating mode, reset or changed the initial operating mode settings, or otherwise changed the initially selected operating mode), the air management system can repeat steps-as described above.

In step, the central controller can direct an alert module to annunciate an air hazard warning. This can be accomplished by, for example, displaying an air hazard warning message on the user interface that an unsafe level of an air hazard has been detected and that the system will begin performing air hazard mitigation measures.

In step, the central controller can direct at least one air hazard mitigation devices to execute at least one air hazard mitigation measure. The air hazard mitigation measure can be selected by the central controller based on the air hazard mitigation device(s) detected by the central controller. The air hazard mitigation measure(s) can be defined by the configured prioritization and action algorithms. For example, if a VOC level above the VOC threshold has been detected in a particular room, the central controller can direct an air exchanger to begin operating.

In step, the central controller can analyze air hazard data from the connected air hazard sensors. Using this air hazard data, the central controller can calculate the rate of change of the air hazard, and can further calculate the total time needed to mitigate the air hazard (i.e. return to a safe air quality with an air hazard level below the air hazard threshold).

In step, the central controller can assess whether additional air hazards have been detected by a connected air hazard sensor. The central controller can further assess whether any additional air hazards detected have a higher priority level than the air hazard initially detected in step. If no additional air hazards have been detected, or if additional air hazards detected have a lower priority level than the air hazard initially detected in step, the air management system can proceed to step. If the central controller determines that an air hazard with a higher priority level than the air hazard detected in stepis present, the air management system can repeat steps-as described above.

In step, the central controller can assess whether the at least one air hazard mitigation measure performed by the at least one air hazard mitigation device in stepis effectively mitigating the air hazard detected in stepsor. The central controller can assess the effectiveness of the at least one air hazard mitigation measure by, for example, measuring whether the rate of change calculated in stepis negative or positive. A negative rate of change signals that the air hazard level is decreasing over time, while a positive rate of change signals an increase in the air hazard level over time. The central controller can additionally compare the rate of change to a threshold rate of change. This threshold rate of change can be, for example, based on the volume of the building and the possible volume of air exchange. If the central controller measures a positive rate of change, the central controller can designate the at least one air hazard mitigation measure as ineffective and the air management system can proceed to step. Additionally and/or alternatively, the central controller can designate the at least one air hazard mitigation measure as ineffective if the rate of change exceeds the threshold rate of change, which would signal that the air hazard level is decreasing less quickly than it would at a threshold rate of change. Conversely, if the central controller measures a negative rate of change, or a rate of change which is less than the threshold rate of change, the central controller can designate the at least one air hazard mitigation measure as effective and the air management system can proceed to step.

In step, the central controller can assess whether a secondary air hazard mitigation measure is available. This can be accomplished by the central controller determining whether a second air hazard mitigation device is connected or determining whether the air hazard mitigation device currently performing an air hazard mitigation measure can change the air hazard mitigation measure currently being performed. If the central controller determines that a secondary air hazard mitigation measure is available, the central controller can then determine whether the secondary air hazard mitigation measure is currently enabled. If the central controller determines that a secondary air hazard mitigation measure is available and not yet enabled, the air management system can proceed to step. If the central controller determines that a secondary air hazard mitigation measure is either unavailable or already enabled, the air management system can proceed to step.

In step, the central controller can assess whether the air hazard level is above or below the air hazard threshold. If the central controller determines that the air hazard level is above the air hazard threshold, the air management system can repeat steps-. If the central controller determines that the air hazard level is below the air hazard threshold (i.e. that the previously detected air hazard has been mitigated), the air management system can proceed to step.

In step, the central controller can direct at least one air hazard mitigation device to enable a secondary air hazard mitigation measure. After the central controller directs the at least one air hazard mitigation device to enable the secondary air hazard mitigation measure, the air management system can repeat steps-.

In step, the central controller can measure the amount of time that has passed since the at least one air hazard mitigation device began performing the at least one air hazard mitigation measure. The central controller can additionally assess whether the amount of time that has passed exceeds a maximum mitigation time. If the central controller determines that the amount of time has not exceeded the maximum mitigation time, the air management system can repeat steps-. If the central controller determines that the amount of time has exceeded the maximum mitigation time, the air management system can proceed to step.